Premier League: Five free Cambiasso replacements for Ranieri at Leicester City

With Esteban Cambiasso revealing that he will not sign a new deal with Leicester City, who are 10/3 with Coral for a top 10 Premier League finish next term, we come up with five possible free replacements for new boss Claudio Ranieri to pursue.

Joey Barton
Available on a free transfer, the former QPR player could be a good option for the Foxes. Although his disciplinary record leaves a lot to be desired, he would add the requisite steel that the Argentine contributed and can pitch in with the occasional goal.

Lassana Diarra
The former Chelsea, Arsenal, Portsmouth and Real Madrid midfielder would also cost nothing and has an abundance of experience. Having won the FA Cup twice, plus a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey, he would add a similar amount of quality to what Cambiasso did and at just 30 years of age, has plenty more to offer. West Ham United were reportedly interested in the Frenchman earlier in the year, so Ranieri would have to act fast.

Sulley Muntari
Another who could add the muscle to the Foxes engine room, he like Diarra also played for Portsmouth where they were both teammates and are the same age. Having also plied his trade for both AC and Inter Milan, where he won the treble, the Ghanaian would bring an abundance of both experience and quality.

Alberto Aquilani
While the Italian doesn’t have the robust defensive ability of Cambiasso, the former Liverpool midfielder does have a creative edge and can play a range of passes. Leicester could be an attractive proposition for the 31-year-old, as he would link up with compatriot Ranieri and could have the opportunity to become the main man.

Yoann Gourcuff
Operating more in an advanced playmaker role, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old would be a sensational signing, especially on a free transfer. The Frenchman, if needed can slot into a deeper role, though he isn’t an orthodox defensive midfielder, while he is also useful on either flank.